Well my shopaholic teen managed to convince me to accompany her (along with DH and DD's teen friend) to the swap meet (held at the County Fairgrounds and humongous) today....I hadn't been there for probably over 10 years as a) it is a madhouse and b) I just really, truly, hate to shop unless it's absolutely necessary (like yesterday for the yoga pants - lol).

Anyway...I recalled that they had a pretty decent Farmer's Market there and so at the very end of the day I insisted that I not leave until I got a chance to check it out. As we arrived at the very bitter end of the day, the farmers were loading up and trying to rid themselves of the produce left. So as we walked up they placed out huge empty boxes (like what they unload the produce from at the grocery) and said that they could be purchased for $3. We grabbed one. Then the farmers proceeded to fill the boxes -- first with bags of spinach (the kind that usually sell for $4 at least at the grocery), then with asparagus bunches (we got 3 big bunches), then with tomatoes on the vine (amazing!), then came the peaches, and oranges, and jicama, then romaine lettuce, then OMG - probably 50 zucchini (I am NOT kidding), then I just laughed...as this was looking ridiculous!

So...DH went to get the car in order to minimize the walk to the parking lot (carrying the other many bags of non-produce goodies the girls bought) and left me to guard my treasure.

I actually didn't mind carrying the box to the newly relocated car (just outside the Exit - thank you DH!) as my newly minted biceps can handle more serious weight now than some fruits and veggies for God's sake!

And, best of all, I made a dinner that my daughter's friend announced to be "my new favorite meal - EVER" and "better than a restaurant meal" (this one is definitely invited to return any time!!). So I sauteed mushrooms and asparagus and zucchini in a bit of olive oil and rice vinegar with tofu and fresh basil and served over brown rice and red beans. Then, as an appetizer I broiled sliced zucchini with a bit of olive oil and parmesean...YUM! Will definitely do that again (oh at least another 30-40 times this week given the amount of zucchini I have - too funny, eh?)

I guess this will be a Memorable Memorial Shopping Weekend for me - 2 days in a row with success in shopping. Who knows? I may actually grow to enjoy it!